Lingerie Secret Santa

So last year I decided to organise a Secret Santa for independent lingerie designers - we're all people that hugely appreciate pretty knickers but can rarely afford to actually buy them, and Christmas is one of the most stressful times of year for us. A Secret Santa could all bring us an extra bit of holiday cheer, without actually having to spend money on a gift - and it was more of a success than I could have imagined! For those of you who follow me on social media, last year I received an utterly delightful 'Bricolage' lace bra and suspender belt from the wonderful Dottie's Delights:

Given that it was so successful, it would have been foolish not to have done it again! This year we've got even more awesome brands involved! I can't wait to see the gifts that everyone receives - there's such a huge variety of participants this year, with so much stunning lingerie - I wish I could own it all!

Last year I sent a gift to La Lilouche - I was a little constrained by time as I was in full time education, so I sent her a Monika set that I'd embellished with Swarovski crystals. This year I'm not longer tied down by school work, so I wanted to create something unique and truly special for my giftee - something that captured both her lingerie preferences and introduced a bit of my slightly naughtier aesthetic...

The one-off set that I created was based around a pale pink vintage 1950s chantilly lace. After Victorian laces, this is one of the finest and most delicate pieces of lace that I've ever managed to get my hands on - it is so utterly beautiful, you really have to see it in person! (...I'll stop talking about the lace now, as I'll get overexcited). I created a cupless bra shape with some of my signature frame bra and strappy wing details, and overlaid it with the lace, adding darts over the bust for a gentle shape, leading up to a choker style closure at the neck finished with the lace's scallop.

The knickers are based on my 'Monika' shape, made in a super soft polka-dot silk satin, with lace appliqué on the hip (my first successful time machine stitching it - I'm hoping I can get a big quicker at this technique so I can roll it out on future designs!) and with scallop flounces at the hip - all finished with some strappy naughtiness to go over the waist (apologies for the dodgy photos, they're too small for my mannequin!). And of course, because I have a total addiction to shiny things, I embellished everything with teeny-tiny freshwater pearls in a delicate pink. And then I made a hair clip with some of the leftover lace because I clearly cannot be stopped! I adored sewing these pieces and I really hope their new owner likes them! Kind of wish they were in my size so I could keep them ;)

Make sure you check out the other designers who are taking part in this year's Secret Santa, and keep an eye out on social media for sneak peeks of everyone's gifts and potentially also some hilarious lingerie gifting stories... We'll be posting with the hashtags #lingeriesecretsanta #lingerieinsidertips and #lingeriegifts - there's already a few previews on instagram!

Have you ever taken part in a Secret Santa? What do you think of my gift, and which designer do you think it's for? xx

Rosie

soulcallove5@gmail.com

I came across this blog post from The Lingerie Addict and immediately had to click through because of the gorgeous lingerie I saw in the photo. Congratulations on making such a rare and beautiful piece! The person to receive this is insanely lucky and I am in love with it. Just in awe…